ALSOG

Another L-System Object Generator

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

About ALSOG

What is ALSOG?ALSOG is an application for parsing, interpreting, and
rendering of Lindenmayer systems. It is capable to save the resulting images as bitmap ("images")
files or export them as 3D-objects for later rendering/raytracing. It works
under MS Windows (see below for other OS).

What does ALSOG mean?ALSOG is an acronym for
"Another L-System Object Generator".

What can ALSOG be used for?You can create beautiful images of fractals
or plants with it. You can also generate 3D-objects and render or raytrace them
using an external application.
One of the most often used application for Lindenmayer Systems is the generation of plant
models.

Availability and Usability

What do I need to use ALSOG?Of course, you need ALSOG
itself. Please consult the Download / Purchase page.
Your computer should:

run a Microsoft Windows operating system;

support openGL.

Current Application State

What is the current version?The current version is version 1.0.

Can I render all the examples shown in ABoP?No. Version 1.0 allows you to define, render, and export almost all of
the examples contained in "Algorithmic Beauty of Plants" [PrusinkiewiczLindenmayer2002]
up to chapter 3 ("Developmental models of herbaceous plants").

Why does it not cover the complete book?Well, many different things had to be implemented so far, many ideas
based on these features were born, but instead of getting more well-defined,
solid, rocking, ALSOG got very complex, complicated, and diffuse. So in
order to keep the software usable, the "feature list was frozen" at a certain
point. Instead, in order to keep the possibility to make it the best L-System
tool once, the development concentrated on making it a) complete in the means
that the promised features are valid, b) usable in the means that the user
interface is
somehow easy to understand, c) better documented, and d) less buggy.
It is not the end. The next release will hopefully allow to build more
of the examples from ABoP and other sources. Watch out.

Known Issues

None so far

Known Problems

A loaded example does not look right or the screen stays black.
Please update your graphics card driver.

Portability

Is there a Linux port?No. Technically, this would be possible, as
the code itself as well as the chosen libraries were done having portability
in mind. But we can hardly cover the heterogeneity of Linux systems. Let us
know if you know better.

Is there a MacOS port?No. Technically, this would be possible, as
the code itself as well as the chosen libraries were done having portability
in mind. But we do not have a MacOS machine. If you buy us one, we may have a
MacOS port.

Extensions or Feature Request

Will ALSOG be coninued to be developed?
I think so.

I need the feature YYY! When it will be implemented?
As soon as I want to implement it. You may contact me as given below,
maybe it will motivate me.